Sunday, June 6, 2010

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, that's why they call it the present, and presently, there is a pretty good season brewing." - David Bailey

I'm sitting on my computer at about 1 a.m. after missing what was sure to be an epic day at the racetrack. I haven't raced competitively since my little get off during indoors, and I was pumped to get back bangin' bars to say the least. Sleep the night before was tough to come by, and I felt like it was my first race all over again. But sadly, I've become somewhat accustom to bad luck. A random, freak of nature, difficult to even explain, foot injury left me at home instead. Watching the Freestone national coverage on SPEED and www.allisports.com all day didn't help my itch to race all that much either.

But in the dark of night, while putting in some practice laps on MX vs. ATV Reflex, I had a bit of a revelation. It came with the realization of skills, and how they work and stick to a person. I've been an avid hoops fan for about 7 years now, and no matter how many months go by without touching a basketball, I can always find my way around a basketball court when it comes time to play again.

The same is to be said with motocross. Although your first times back on a track after a few weeks, or even months, might be a bit hard on the forearms, it's literally "just like riding a bike." I'm not trying to say that I'll be a pro superstar next time I throw a leg over a dirtbike, but I am saying that time off the seat isn't the end of the world. In fact, it's time to grow as a motocross athlete. Time to focus on the things that you need to improve on, use the time off to break bad habits, and above all, stay positive when you come to the race track.

There's nothing worse than showing up to ride with a negative mindset. One that you're going to battle arm pump all day long, or that #69 is going to have you beat in all of your motos. That's only going to set you up for failure and frustration. Unfortunately, I know from experience.

Stay positive! One of the most important aspects to going fast on the track is looking ahead. Looking ahead to the end of a rut, or the exit of a turn, or the next obstacle in a section. Looking where you want you and your bike to go, instead of where you don't want it to go. This applies both literally and figuratively. Focus on how you want to ride and the things you want to excel in. Visualize your success, and it is sure to follow.